CPNP Torre, sinagot puna ni Mayor Baste: “Di lang ako tumalon sa ranggo. Balikan ranggo ni Bato”

- Newly appointed PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III clapped back at Davao City Mayor and now Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s criticism of his rapid promotion, which the latter claimed was due to “favoritism”

- CPNP Torre reminded Mayor Baste that his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, also appointed Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as PNP Chief in 2016 when Dela Rosa was only a one-star general, immediately elevating him to a four-star rank

- Mayor Baste’s criticism of Torre’s appointment stemmed partly from the latter’s involvement as CIDG chief in serving an ICC arrest warrant for the former president, implying a lack of sound judgment

- Despite Mayor Baste’s remarks, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin defended Torre’s appointment, stating it was “based on merit and professionalism” after PBBM considered five candidates

The newly appointed Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General Nicolas Torre III, has directly responded to criticisms from Davao City Mayor and now Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian “Baste” Duterte regarding his recent promotion, drawing a parallel to a significant appointment made during the term of Baste's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Torre, who was a two-star police major general before his elevation to the four-star rank and top police post by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 2, addressed Mayor Baste’s comments during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Baste had publicly questioned Torre’s appointment, suggesting it was not based on merit but rather on “pabor-pabor” (favoritism), given the three-rank jump.

He also alluded to Torre’s involvement in the service of an arrest warrant for former President Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2025, implying a lack of sound judgment on Torre's part.

In his rebuttal, Torre urged Baste Duterte to recall the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as the very first PNP chief under the elder Duterte’s administration in 2016.

“Okay. I just respect his decision and I respect his opinion. And rewind-rewind lang nang kaunti sa termino naman ng Tatay niya kung sino ang unang Chief PNP, okay,” Torre stated, adding, “Ano ang ranggo ng unang Chief PNP [ng tatay niya] at ano ang ranggo ko bago ako naging Chief PNP? So, it really goes back to him really. Seriously speaking it goes back to him, okay. The first Chief PNP of his father is a one-star na naging automatic four-star. Did he ask that? Did he question that?”

Torre’s remarks highlight that Dela Rosa, then a one-star general (Police Chief Superintendent), was also directly chosen by President Rodrigo Duterte to lead the national police force, automatically elevating him to a four-star general rank, a three-rank promotion.

This comparison aimed to contextualize his own promotion, suggesting it was not an unprecedented move in presidential appointments to the PNP's highest office.

Before his elevation, Police Major General Nicolas Torre III served as the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

His appointment as PNP chief saw him replace Police General Rommel Marbil, whose extended term was set to conclude on June 7.

Torre’s career includes stints as chief of police in Samar province, Quezon City, and the Davao Region, where he also led efforts to serve an arrest warrant against controversial religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Baste Duterte had made his criticisms public during his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte’s birthday celebration in The Hague, Netherlands, where their father, the former president, is currently detained facing charges related to his administration’s war on drug5 campaign.

Baste specifically questioned Torre's professionalism and judgment, particularly in connection with the ICC warrant service.

However, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in an earlier briefing, defended Torre’s appointment, stating it was “based on merit and professionalism.”

Bersamin affirmed that President Marcos considered five candidates for the top post, with Torre ultimately selected due to his performance and capability.

He also dismissed concerns about potential demoralization among other contenders, emphasizing the professionalism of the PNP leadership.

The exchange between Torre and Baste Duterte underscores the political dynamics and differing perspectives on appointments within the country’s uniformed services.

The debate over “merit-based” versus “favor-based” promotions continues to be a recurring theme in discussions surrounding high-profile government positions.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

Meanwhile, a Reddit user mistakenly posted a motorcycle racing question in "r/DragRacePhilippines," a subreddit for the drag reality show. The post asked if a modified Rusi Macho 175 could compete in a 400-meter race, confusing the drag show community, reported by Daily Guardian. Users responded with humor, suggesting to add “rhinestones and glitters” or let the bike “Lip Sync For The Win.” The mix-up went viral, with netizens enjoying the playful clash between motorsports and drag culture.

In other news, a 45-year-old man, Junifel Conel, died in a car crash in Matalam, Cotabato on the same day as his wife’s burial. He and his 17-year-old son were buying ice for the funeral when their SUV hit a parked 10-wheeler truck. The father was declared dead on arrival, while the son sustained a fractured leg, Brigada News PH reported. Police suspect they were sleep-deprived; a settlement is planned between the family and the truck owner.

Source: KAMI.com.gh